Timelines transparency a must for vacant homes grant - Mayo councillor

A MAYO councillor is pushing for clear communication on the timelines involved in the vacant homes property grant.

A month ago Councillor Donna Sheridan asked Mayo County Council to issue a press release setting out the details on inspections and payments.

That hasn't been done and she raised the matter at the October meeting of the authority, insisting on a commitment from management to do what was resolved - send PR to the local media and also grant applicants. Her request wasn't a big ask, she said, yet nothing has been done despite her 'going on about it' for months.

All she was asking for was communication with people and tell them how long it's going to take, and she asked for a commitment from the chief executive. It should only take a few days, she pointed out.

Director of services Tom Gilligan said he has responded to individual queries on a case by case basis and he didn't intend issuing a statement on timelines.

Councillor Sheridan said under the Local Government Act there had been a resolution of the council on this and it has to be done.

Her request wasn't unreasonable. All she was asking for was transparency.

Chief executive Kevin Kelly said he supported making sure applicants have the best information.

The council is in the process of appointing an additional staff member to the unit to speed up inspections and is also in the final stages of implementing an online application system, which will streamline the process.

He supported the idea that applicants have a timeframe for consideration and finalisation of their applications.

Councillor Sheridan welcomed the response, saying this is the only option available to many people, and it was costing them money and putting stress on them. Just give them some timeframe, she said.